Habitat for Humanity opens third ReStore in Greater Victoria

Habitat for Humanity opens third ReStore in Greater Victoria
CHEK

Customers filled the new ReStore in Saanich Saturday.

Customers filled the new ReStore in Saanich Saturday.

The non-profit Habitat for Humanity is celebrating the grand opening of their third ReStore in Greater Victoria Saturday.

Customers filled the new shop at 50 Burnside Road West to purchase used items like furniture, appliances and building supplies.

All the proceeds go towards the charity to help continue local Habitat for Humanity homebuilding projects. The organization says the projects build and rehabilitate safe, decent and affordable homes, including single-family and multi-unit houses.

“We started off with one store in 2004 on Douglas, then we went out to Langford, a much bigger store, then we opened near Uptown on Oak Street and the demand just kept growing,” said Habitat for Humanity Victoria CEO Yolanda Meijer.

“It’s 100 per cent donated, and so everything you see in our three stores came from the community… all the proceeds fund the operational overhead… I dont know many charities can self-generate all of their own operational and administrative overhead.”

The families who partner with the organization pay an interest-free mortgage geared to their income and volunteer 500 hours with Habitat. The funds are invested into a revolving fund, which is used by their local Habitat to build more homes for low-income families in the community.

“We are hoping one day to expand to more than just families, right now anybody who has a minor or children living at home could conceivably qualify as long as their income is below a certain threshold,” said Meijer.

Meijer adds that she is thrilled over the opening and wants to thank many for making it possible.

“[Thanks] to the community for supporting us, and the volunteers that are here, and if your interested in getting involved you can always volunteer with habitat in a number of ways, and one if them is in the ReStore,” added Meijer.

Information on donations to the ReStore can be found here, and further details on ReStore’s can be found here.

Employees throughout the store helped customers with any questions

Staff throughout the store helped customers with any questions, and helped move heavier products like tables.

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